As someone who’s walked the tightrope of being both a freelancer and has managed freelancers and teams, I know firsthand that time tracking isn’t just about keeping tabs on hours.
It’s about creating flow in your day, keeping teams aligned across time zones, and, most importantly, ensuring every effort contributes to the bigger picture.
Whether I’m managing marketing campaigns or coordinating with collaborators on a tight deadline, I’ve experienced how the right tools can transform chaos into clarity and elevate a project from decent to exceptional.
Time tracking software is supposed to make life easier, but that’s not always true. Some tools overcomplicate the process, turning a simple task into a frustrating experience. I’ve been there, spending more time wrestling with platforms than focusing on what matters.
That’s why I set out to test the best time-tracking tools available, pushing them to their limits in real-world scenarios. I revisited a few platforms I’d used and dove into some brand-new ones, curious how they would handle the chaos of an actual workload. Think intricate project planning, coordinating collaborative workflows, managing freelance contracts, tracking billable hours, handling back-to-back deadlines, and even boosting personal productivity on those meeting-packed days.
“Time tracking software has evolved beyond simple punch-in and punch-outs. Aided by accounting integrations, accurate and flexible time tracking saves money otherwise spent on costly payroll errors that frustrate employees. A pristine database, in turn, makes it easier to forecast labor demands and eliminate messy scheduling changes.
Last, advances in biometrics and geolocation ensure an accurate headcount for essential staffing needs. As the nature of work changes, so goes time tracking software.”
- Grace Savides, Market Research Analyst, G2
After putting countless solutions to the test, I’m sharing the ones that stood out, the ones that fell short, and how the right tool can help you take back what matters most: your time.
* These time tracking tools are top-rated in their category, according to G2 Grid Reports. Most products in this list provide pricing details upon request. I have included pricing information only for time trackers that publicly share their pricing plans.
No matter the size of your team or the industry your business is in, time-tracking systems give you insights into which tasks take up most of the workday. For me, these tools empower me with the knowledge of how to be more productive, no matter what my to-do list has in store.
Time tracking is also how companies record the working hours of hourly employees or contractors so that everyone is paid accurately for their time. The term usually includes other HR-related tasks, like tracking attendance, billable hours, scheduling, and paid time off management.
When testing these tools, I didn’t limit myself to those solely focused on time tracking. I dug deeper, looking for options that offered versatility and tools to juggle various professional needs while remaining intuitive and seamless. The goal was to find something that worked with me, not against me.
I spent weeks testing time-tracking tools. I set up accounts for each platform and ran them through everyday scenarios I face regularly.
With tools ranging from free plans to premium subscriptions, I dug deep to uncover what sets each apart. I focused on how easy they are to use, what features truly stand out, and how well they adapt to different needs—whether you’re a freelancer, a team lead, or running a business with big goals.
To get a well-rounded view, I also went through countless G2 reviews with the help of AI to learn from people who use these tools daily. Their insights helped me separate the good from the great. Finally, I used G2’s Grid Reports to compare how these tools stack up and pulled together this list of the best time trackers just for you.
Over the years, I’ve tried countless platforms, some too basic for my needs and others so complex they added more stress than value. Through trial and error, I’ve narrowed down the essential features I look for in the perfect time tracking app.
The list below also contains genuine user reviews from G2’s time-tracking software category page. To be included in this category, a time tracking app must:
*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.
I have had the chance to use monday.com products, and monday Work Management stands out as a robust solution that goes beyond traditional time tracking tools.
I love how customizable monday Work Management is. Whether it's logging time spent on tasks or setting and monitoring deadlines, the platform does a fantastic job of keeping things organized. The customizable workflows are a standout. I could easily tailor the time-tracking columns and dashboards to match my team’s unique needs, making it feel more like a flexible partner in productivity than a rigid tool.
Another standout feature is its visual clarity, with timeline and calendar views. Automation capabilities—like deadline reminders and task notifications—are lifesavers for staying on top of priorities.
monday Work Management’s integration capabilities are incredible, which made it easy for me to connect with tools I regularly use, like Slack, Google Calendar, and Excel. The reporting tools are also worthy of a shoutout. They provide detailed insights into time spent on projects, which empowered me with better decision-making for resource allocation and productivity improvements.
One of the recurring frustrations I’ve had with monday Work Management is the occasional slowness of the platform. Sometimes, when I’m in a rush and need to update a time entry or check a deadline, it takes longer than I’d like for the platform to respond.
Also, while the time-tracking features are robust, they can feel overwhelming if you manage multiple projects simultaneously. It’s easy to get lost in all the layers of customization. I’ve found that sticking to simpler setups often works better for my team and me.
“I like the sub-task addition as it helps me divide a bigger task into smaller sub-tasks, and managing it is much easier. Moreover, the time tracking feature is excellent in analyzing the estimation provided by a developer and the actual hours tracked. This gives me insight into how the developers are performing in their tasks.
Filter is also a great feature; it helps filter based on several options. It’s a tool that I use every day. Without its use, I can't track down the projects. Also, platform automation is excellent, as it helps me get notifications. For example, whenever a task nears a review date, I can set an automation to get the notification three days before.”
- monday Work Management Review, Jasvinder S.
“The only downside is truly bias! I wish the time tracking tool was in the lower-tiered version!”
- monday Work Management Review, Charlei H.
Looking to improve your workflows without breaking the bank? Check out the best free task management software to streamline your processes and boost productivity.
If you are looking for an all-in-one tool for your HR, payroll, talent, and time needs, then UKG Ready is a great choice to invest in. I’ve had the opportunity to test and use UKG Ready extensively for time tracking, and the platform makes it ridiculously easy to track work hours, manage PTO, and even check your schedule on the go.
The mobile-friendly design is a huge plus—pulling up my timesheet or tracking time and attendance from my phone is so convenient.
I have also found some challenges. Downtime due to server maintenance can hit at the worst possible moments, which is especially aggravating when you’re mid-task or need quick access to your schedule. I can’t customize workflows or remove unnecessary steps. It’s incredibly challenging when I need to make even a tiny adjustment but have to ask IT for help. I just wish it were more flexible and easier to manage independently.
“Since my company switched to UKG 3 years ago, it's made timekeeping more accurate and diverted time theft tremendously. It's made it much easier to correct timesheets at the moment rather than waiting for Payroll, which is responsible for the entire company. It's much easier to keep up with accrued sick leave and PTO hours.
You don't have to wait for your paystub to access your hours; you can submit leave requests from anywhere.”
- UKG Ready Review, Lawanne J.
“There have been times when the staff cannot log on due to issues with the Kronos servers or maintenance without prior warning. This is not too much of an issue as timesheets can be edited retrospectively, but this takes additional time for managers.”
- UKG Ready Review, Austin H.
ClickUp stood out to me for its versatility and functionality in one package. The tool seamlessly integrates its time tracking features with task and project management. Whether you’re managing a team or working solo, it’s a powerful way to monitor and optimize productivity.
ClickUp lets you tailor everything, from custom fields for tagging time entries to integration with tools like Google Calendar for scheduling. I also experimented with the Chrome extension, which allowed me to start and stop timers straight from Gmail and even attach those logs to specific projects.
The reports feature became a favorite, too, giving me a clear view of where our time was going and how we could improve. It’s packed with insights that help you identify inefficiencies, all while keeping the interface relatively user-friendly. That said, the initial setup felt a little overwhelming, with so many customization options to navigate.
If you love tinkering with settings to create a unique workflow, ClickUp is worth exploring for time tracking. Once it’s up and running, the benefits really shine through.
“ClickUp University is free, easy to understand, and guides you through everything you might need to use the software or develop a space for your team. Customer support is fast and helpful, and they typically resolve all my issues within an hour or so.
Implementing this software into our company has been easy, although we have not used any integrations yet. My team of nine users are constantly in ClickUp, collaborating, tracking time, and linking our tasks to company projects in other departments, allowing cross-departmental cooperation.”
- ClickUp Review, Mason M.
“With various features included, exploring what ClickUp offers can be overwhelming, but the questionnaire initially helps. I feel slight improvements could be made to make onboarding easier for new users or anyone unfamiliar with the project management software.
I think the biggest improvement needed is the Mobile App - it is handy but doesn’t quite measure up to the desktop version. Some features are harder to use or don’t work well on mobile, which can be a hassle if you need to manage tasks on the go. It’s good, but there’s room for improvement. Of course, if it's to check whether tasks are done, review files, and mark the status of tasks - it's great. Its home page could improve in terms of what tasks to display.
The notifications setting was extensive before Clickup 3.0 latest update and overwhelming, but now more streamlined and easier.”
- ClickUp Review, Angelo T.
If you're looking for a time tracking solution that integrates well with HR and payroll, Rippling is definitely worth a look. Spoiler alert: it’s a solid system with a few bumps along the way, but overall, it makes workforce management much smoother.
One of my favorite things about Rippling is how it effortlessly syncs time tracking with payroll and HR. Time entries automatically flow into payroll with no manual input and no errors. This automation saves me hours and gives me peace of mind, knowing that my team gets paid accurately.
Rippling gives you options, and I mean real options. Whether you need manual entry, biometric clock-ins, or GPS tracking for remote workers, the platform covers it all. This kind of flexibility is a lifesaver for hybrid teams like mine.
Plus, being able to customize reports is gold. I can quickly generate reports to monitor productivity, control labor costs, and spot inefficiencies. It’s like having a built-in business analyst.
While the core time-tracking features are rock solid, advanced configurations, such as complex overtime rules or third-party app integrations, can be challenging without additional support.
The menu system isn’t as intuitive as it could be. I find myself clicking through multiple layers to get where I need to go, which can be frustrating when I’m pressed for time. I also found that while customer support is helpful, it’s not always as fast as I’d like when resolving issues.
“First & foremost, Rippling stands out with its sleek and intuitive interface, making navigating easier than other outdated HR and payroll platforms. That immediately makes me feel like it's a trustworthy website that I can rely on. That applies to my perception of the company as well. It makes me feel that my company is up to date with the times and cares about having the latest technology.
As a project manager, Rippling simplifies the employee onboarding process, saving time and reducing errors. I went from dreading new employee onboarding to actually loving it.
Another aspect of my role is tracking and managing time-off requests. Rippling makes this seamless from both ends. As an employee, time-off requests are simple and clear, and as a manager, approving them is also simple and clear.
Lastly, it's multifaceted. Its integration of payroll, HR, IT, and other tools reduces the need to manage multiple platforms and websites.”
- Rippling Review, Maria V.
“I can't think of a single downside to using Rippling. The thing I use MOST is the time clock. It could be cool to have more data and tracking around that - days worked, hours added, running totals, and more.
For example, in Time & Attendance, My Time, looking at the timecards, instead of JUST showing the time per punch, shows the totals per DAY. That would be helpful.”
- Rippling Review, Christie W.
Paylocity was another excellent option for an all-in-one platform that integrates time-tracking processes with HR operations. I love how Paylocity’s Time & Labor module adapts to complex business needs. Whether you’re dealing with intricate vacation accrual rules or managing schedules, it’s built to handle it all.
The integration with time clocks is seamless, too. Punches go directly into payroll, cutting out manual steps and reducing errors. That alone has saved me countless hours.
But what stood out to me was the automated reporting. Without jumping through hoops, I can pull up detailed reports on overtime, labor costs, and compliance issues. It’s been invaluable for managing project budgets. Also, the mobile app is a lifesaver. Employees can clock in and out, submit time-off requests, and check their schedules right from their phones. It’s made managing remote teams so much easier.
Paylocity felt overwhelming at first. The depth of features can be overwhelming, especially for new users. Learning how to adjust timecards or set up reports took me some trial and error. Customer support, while helpful, has occasionally been slow to respond, which can be frustrating when you’re on a tight deadline.
“Paylocity has a simple UI and smooth UX. I enjoy having Knowledge Base as a resource with many helpful articles to assist with any issues/questions that may arise, allowing me to better learn the system and its capabilities.
I enjoy having our benefit providers integrated with Bswift and now having our time tracking system in Paylocity and Time & Labor - making my job as the Payroll Clerk much simpler and more efficient. I use Paylocity very regularly daily.”
- Paylocity Review, Caleb D.
“Not having a dedicated account representative or one that is reliable. The experience was lacking in customer support when a question did arrive. When you call customer support, it is hit or miss; some support staff are very knowledgeable, while others seem to need more training. Don't always respond in a timely manner.
The implementation was somewhat difficult.”
- Paylocity Review, Bill N.
If you're looking for a no-nonsense time tracker that helps you manage your work hours and team productivity, Hubstaff does many things right. But, like any tool, it has its ups and downs.
So, here’s what I love. First, starting and stopping the timer is effortless. The interface is clean and straightforward; you just click and go. The detailed reports and activity logs clearly show where my time goes. This is perfect for managing projects and ensuring billable hours are accounted for. I also appreciate the automated timesheets, which simplify payroll and billing. No more manual calculations!
One feature that stands out is productivity monitoring. Hubstaff tracks activity levels through keyboard and mouse usage, and while that sounds intense, it helps me stay focused. It’s a solid way for teams to see who might need help staying on task.
But let’s talk about the less-than-great parts. Sometimes, the timer glitches and doesn’t record the time when I thought it was running. That’s frustrating, especially when I’m multitasking. And the frequent screenshots meant to keep teams accountable can feel intrusive. I understand why they’re there, but it can be too much.
Oh, and the mobile app? It feels like a stripped-down version of the desktop platform. I’ve tried managing tasks on the go, but it’s not as smooth or reliable as I’d like.
“We have been using Hubstaff time tracking for almost 2 years, which has helped improve the team's overall productivity and efficiency. It keeps everyone accountable and ensures transparency since we work remotely. It is easy to use and understand, and the intuitive dashboard works well for both the employee and the employer.”
- Hubstaff Review, Ayesha K.
“What I find challenging about Hubstaff is that its detailed tracking features can sometimes feel too involved, especially with the frequent screenshots and activity monitoring. While these features are helpful for productivity, they can occasionally feel like they add a bit of extra pressure.”
- Hubstaff Review, Agatha C.
I first stumbled upon Connecteam while helping friends with their retail business, and wow, it delivered more than I expected.
Connecteam best suits industries with mobile, field-based, or shift-oriented teams. If your business is in the construction, retail, security, healthcare, or hospitality sectors, you can greatly benefit from the platform’s versatile features that simplify workforce management.
What stands out the most is how ridiculously easy it is to clock in and out. A few taps and boom, you're logged in. Timesheets are a breeze to manage. No more scrambling to find missing entries or stressing over whether shifts were recorded correctly. It’s all clean and organized.
One feature that has seriously streamlined our retail operations is payroll integration. It connects logged hours straight to payroll, shaving off hours of manual work. Automated reminders for clocking in/out ensure that no one forgets to log their time, which was a major issue for us before.
However, it could definitely be more fluid. Sometimes, syncing isn’t as smooth as I’d like. Also, the occasional glitch with clocking in/out can be frustrating, especially during peak hours.
“I am a contractor. We have several different jobs and job locations that frequently change. Using Connecteam, I can manage them and track my employees' time on each project. The location system tells me where they are when they clock in and out each time. This is perfect for tracking all billable hours, correctly charging clients, and ensuring my employees are where they should be. I tried many different systems.
Connecteam is the only one that covers all my needs. The customer service team was swift to respond and help when I made a request.”
- Connecteam Review, Steve O.
“One thing I do not like about Connecteam is that it seems to be set up to be used mainly on a computer. Our business model has almost everyone working on the road, so most people, including administrators, use the mobile version. The mobile version for administrators is not very user-friendly.
I feel that this is the area that Connecteam should improve, as the main convenience of Connecteam is to allow people to use the app remotely while they are working remotely. So the mobile version should be the number 1 priority, especially if you want to grow your membership and sign on mobile businesses that would benefit the most from this product.”
- Connecteam Review, Joe S.
What sold me on Deel was how it streamlines time tracking alongside contract management and payments.
You’ve got automated time tracking, contract management, payment processing, and even compliance management all under one roof. No more hopping between platforms or dealing with complicated workflows. Logging hours is super simple, and the platform provides seamless payment integration. It makes budgeting and expense planning effortless.
One feature I love is the automated workflows for time tracking. You can log hours, generate timesheets, and track payments hassle-free. It’s perfect for freelancers and remote workers who need clarity on their earnings and time spent. Plus, Deel automatically syncs logged hours with payment schedules, reducing the risk of errors or missed payments.
However, sometimes, the platform takes longer to load than I’d prefer, and the limited customization options for reports can be frustrating.
What really gives me peace of mind is Deel's security and compliance. I know that every contract I sign, and every payment I receive is handled with top-notch security and meets international compliance standards. As someone working with global teams, that extra layer of protection makes me feel secure and confident that nothing will slip through the cracks. I don’t have to worry about legal compliance or data security—Deel covers everything.
“Deal is excellent as a platform because it enables me to check my payments and keep track of how much is to be earned so I can plan my expenses accordingly. It is very transparent, typically good for employers and employees like me who work remotely to track progress. It also provides other services like real-time tracking and background checks, all in a single platform, thus reducing the hassle for remote workers.”
- Deel Review, Samriddhi G.
“The pricing can be somewhat steep for smaller startups or freelancers who manage fewer contractors, and some advanced features are limited to higher-tier plans. Additionally, while the platform is robust, there may be occasional lags or downtime during peak hours, which could disrupt critical payroll activities.
Expanding features for freelancers or providing more customization options could further enhance user experience.”
- Deel Review, Jayanta M.
Check out the best free time tracking software to pinch pennies while keeping productivity high.
HROne is another all-in-one solution that integrates time-tracking processes with workforce management. It bridges the gap between tracking employee hours and managing broader HR functions without the need for multiple tools.
I love how easy it is to approve leave requests or view attendance records. One of HROne's best features is its mobile accessibility. Whether I’m working remotely or traveling, I can manage attendance and leave approvals right from my phone. It’s incredibly convenient and keeps me connected with my team.
I also appreciate how HROne handles employee shift management. Assigning shifts and monitoring attendance is straightforward, though I do think this feature could be even more user-friendly.
Marking attendance can sometimes be glitchy, and I’ve noticed the platform lags during peak hours, especially during payroll processing. While the mobile app is handy, it doesn’t offer the full range of desktop features. I wish the app had more robust functionalities to match the desktop experience.
“HRone has helped our organization solve major problems like workforce, attendance, and payroll management. The software is very easy to use, and the best part is the mobile app, which can be accessed on the go. The implementation team we were provided with was very knowledgeable and supportive. They helped us implement the software in no time. We received proper support and training.
Our employees use the mobile app daily to use features to mark attendance, request leaves, read HR policies, etc. The software provides an easy integration with the biometric device for attendance tracking.”
- HROne Review, Rupesh K.
“The only thing I feel which can be improved is their reports sections; they need to add more reports and, most importantly, consolidate reports so that users don't have to download multiple reports and merge them manually.”
- HROne Review, Arhant J.
The last one on this list is Justworks, a great tool for centralizing employee management. Beyond tracking time, it integrates PTO management, compliance documentation, and company resources, so I don't need to juggle multiple apps. Everything related to my work hours and time off is right where I need it.
I love how straightforward it is to clock in and out; navigating different features doesn't feel overwhelming. Justworks streamlines time tracking so I can focus on my actual work rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks. Automated reminders for missed clock-ins and clock-outs are beneficial in ensuring accurate time records and reducing the risk of payroll discrepancies.
On the downside, the clock-in/clock-out feature sometimes feels clunky. There have been occasional syncing delays between the mobile and desktop platforms, causing discrepancies in recorded hours. I also found the lack of seamless integration with third-party tools a bit frustrating.
Having to create a separate username instead of using my Google login feels outdated. Plus, there were times when my time entries didn’t save properly, which was inconvenient and made me double-check my hours.
I also believe that Justworks could benefit from more detailed reporting features. Currently, the system offers basic insights into logged hours, but the reporting tools feel limited for managers wanting to analyze productivity trends or project-specific time allocation.
“I’ve been using Justworks for the past three years as an employee at a company partnered with them, and my experience has been consistently positive. The platform is intuitive and easy to navigate, and getting set up was a breeze. The Justworks support team has always been responsive and helpful whenever I’ve needed assistance.
Submitting PTO requests, filing timecards, and accessing company benefits are straightforward tasks. Whether you interact with Justworks daily or occasionally, I highly recommend it as a reliable payroll and benefits solution for employees and organizations. The mobile app and desktop site are user-friendly and well-designed.”
- Justworks Review, Peter H.
“It's useful to have Justworks's time-tracking software (Justworks Hours) available, as it syncs fairly easily with the Justworks PEO. However, I would prefer if the time-tracking were fully integrated into the main software so that it wasn't necessary to use two different websites to combine the two.”
- Justworks Review, Christopher F.
The best timekeeping software seamlessly fits your workflow. If you’re looking for straightforward time tracking and invoicing, the most essential tools will cover your needs. However, I think using a tool that can provide multiple features is best. If you need a project management platform with built-in time tracking, you might prefer robust tools like monday Work Management or ClickUp. These platforms offer integrated task management alongside time tracking, giving teams a more comprehensive workflow solution.
If you need an employee management and monitoring tool with built-in time tracking, then UKG Ready is a great choice.
Yes, time tracking is legal. It is part of record-keeping requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and in some states.
As per FLSA, employers must have accurate records of each hourly employee. These records must detail the number of hours worked per day and per workweek, the date and time the workweek began, each individual’s hourly pay rate, regular earnings, overtime hours, and overtime earnings. This law also requires employers to keep a 3-year record of employees' working hours.
Time tracking software helps teams log time spent on tasks. It replaces old-fashioned timesheets with a digital solution and often includes reporting to help manage workloads and project timelines. It's beneficial for billing and budget management.
Based on real reviews from G2 users and our extensive testing, monday Work Management, ClickUp, and Connecteam are the top three time tracking apps for small businesses.
Yes, there are time tracking software tools that have a free plan or a free trial available. Some popular options include monday Work Management, ClickUp, Paylocity, and Toggl Track. These free plans are great if you’re just starting out or managing a small team. Sure, they have their limitations such as fewer features or user restrictions, but they’ve helped me get a feel for what I need without committing to a paid plan. If you’re a freelancer or a small business owner, these options are definitely worth exploring.
Most time trackers follow strict security standards (like GDPR and CCPA). They use encryption, secure storage, and regular audits. Many tools also offer privacy settings so users can control what data is tracked and who can access it.
I’ve tested the best time tracking tools; now it’s your turn. The right tool can make all the difference, whether optimizing your productivity or managing a remote team. For me, finding the perfect time tracker meant fewer distractions, better workflow management, and more time spent on meaningful work.
I hope this guide helps you get one step closer to reclaiming your time and reaching your goals. Explore these tools, see what clicks, and start making every minute count.
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